The new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, proposes a Union of Skills as part of its ambitious 100-day plan. Currently, only 40% of adults participate in education or training—far below the 60% target—and almost half of Europeans lack basic digital skills, despite 90% of jobs requiring them. Skills for work and life are intertwined: beyond professional, digital, and green skills, VET must also foster life skills, including critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and citizenship skills. VET is a key solution to Europe’s growing shortage of skilled professionals. These arguments strongly support the need for national governments to prioritize funding for vocational education and training (VET). In the future, VET providers will play a central role in coordinating instructional processes, innovations, and improvements.
On 27 March 2025, representatives from EfVET, together with Gender Task Force partners (EAEA and EARLALL), met with Ms Debiais Sainton, a Cabinet Member of European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Minžatu, to highlight the crucial role of lifelong learning in the Union of Skills. We welcome this initiative but stress that skills must be understood holistically, ensuring strong engagement in European VET and Adult Learning policies.
Key discussions focused on the challenges of VET and adult education in implementing the Union of Skills successfully.
The Erasmus+ programme was also addressed as one of the most successful and well-known EU initiatives. Discussions emphasized the importance of vocational education and skills in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, particularly through lifelong learning and micro-credentials.
EfVET and its partners remain committed to advocating for regional involvement in European policies, ensuring territorial perspectives shape the evolving skills agenda effectively.
During the discussions, Basque representatives—Mr Jon Labaka, Vice Minister for VET, and Ms Inge Gorostiaga, Director General for Digital Transformation and Advanced Learning—provided valuable insights into the innovative Basque VET system. Their contributions were warmly received by the Commission, particularly regarding their readiness to participate in key Union of Skills pilot projects. Among these initiatives, the Basque Government expressed interest in piloting the European VET Diploma, set to be introduced in 2026. Furthermore, discussions covered the upcoming European VET Strategy and the 2030 Roadmap on the Future of Digital Education and Skills, scheduled for release by the end of 2025.
We look forward to collaborating with the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Minžatu to turn these priorities into meaningful and lasting change for vocational education and training across the EU.
